Jackpot result for joyful boss who was right on the money
Jerry Gill was delighted with his side’s dramatic turnaround at Larkhall Athletic to earn a spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
The Romans will now travel to Weymouth in the 3rd Qualifying Round on September 30, a side Gill managed briefly in 2010.
A spot in the competition looked in grave danger at the break with City 2-0 behind against their buoyant hosts.
“We could have been a few more down,” admitted Gill.
“In the first half we were nowhere near it.
“That’s happened a few times in the cup and in local derbies, it’s something we’ve really got to think about. Maybe we get a bit embroiled in the opposition’s game and don’t become brave on the ball.
“I have to give Larkhall credit for their fight, spirit and physical presence.
“We didn’t match that first half and didn’t get the ball down and move it. When we did in the second half you could see what sort of team we are.
“Once we started switching play, playing two-touch, they couldn’t live with us. We absolutely dominated the second half. If we didn’t have that spirit we wouldn’t have performed like we did in the second half. It was full of character and endeavour.
“It was a proper cup tie. We turned up and the grass was extremely long. I knew it would be and I probably would have done it in their position.
“Larkhall gave us a hell of a game but in the end all that matters is the win.”
With City fans making up well over half of the capacity 1,000 attendance, a few vented their fury as the players and staff trudged off at the interval.
“Someone said to me, earn your money now,” said Gill.
“We made the changes so I hope that guy realises I’ve earned my money today.
“That’s my job as a manager but your players have to carry it out.
“I took Scotty (Wilson) off just for the shape, we had to go 4-3-3. In all honesty I could have taken a few off at half-time. We had an honest chat, it shows what a good detailed one it was because it takes a lot to come out and play at that level in the FA Cup when 2-0 down.
“Just trust what we do – that’s what we say to people.
“It’s a wonderful start to the season and I hope a lot of people realise that.
“We’re top of the league, through in the FA Cup. If you’re not happy as a supporter you need to look at yourself. It couldn’t be any better – we’re in a really good place.”
Kieran Parselle was victim of a shocking Archie Ferris challenge on the halfway line which forced the captain off inside half an hour.
Referee Oliver Mackey, who only cautioned the striker, was forced to withdraw at the break with Said Ouchene taking over duties in the middle.
“I thought the referee who went on in the second half was wonderful,” said Gill of Ouchene, a usual Step 2 assistant referee.
“Not just because of the penalties, it was the way he controlled the game, the way he spoke to the players. Everything about him was fantastic. That’s why the game flowed the way it did.
“Kieran’s not good. He’s got a gash near his groin/thigh. That tells you where the strike mark was.
“I like Archie and he played very well today. He put himself about and he’s a committed player.
“It wasn’t to be put in his hands, that tackle. It was put in the referee’s hands. It had to be a red card.”
City take on Dover Athletic this Saturday with the match corresponding with the club’s annual Community Day.
If the Romans defeat the Whites they’ll remain top of National League South with ten matches played.
“Win, lose or draw next week, it’s still a very good start,” said Gill.
“We’ll have to be at our best. People will recognise what we’re all about.
“We’re starting to get there. It’s ten games in all competitions, there’s a bit of a pattern in the team. One thing is for sure – we’ve got goals in us.
“It’s about ensuring we keep that nice solidity. There are 18 players vying for places.
“As a club we can be really powerful. Stick with us.”
Bath City Women fell to their first defeat of the season against newly relegated Poole Town Ladies in Hamworthy.
Hari Sabic had swiftly cancelled out Beth Anderson’s opener, but the Dolphins went into the break ahead through Debbie Collinson’s fine strike.
Summer Williams and Anderson’s second helped clinch the hosts’ success in an entertaining contest in Dorset.
City should have fallen behind inside 90 seconds when Lauren Kelly burst away down the left but placed wide with just Sadie Farley to beat.
They were gifted an opener midway through the half when Farley’s goal kick was latched upon and led to Anderson calmly rounding the goalkeeper before squeezing a shot past Mils Bellotti on the line.
Matt Abreu’s team levelled three minutes later when Tara Taylor’s barnstorming run concluded with teeing up Sabic, who neatly turned Becca Witherington and slammed home from 15 yards.
Emily Dellow’s tremendous curler just outside the box cannoned off the bar and City were left to rue these fine margins when they fell behind on 38 minutes.
The Romans failed to clear a throw-in and Collinson showed tidy footwork before superbly lofting past Farley from 18 yards.
Taylor was twice denied by stand-in keeper Be-be Smith soon after the break but a third goal for Poole knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.
Following sustained pressure, Alice Fisher pulled back to Williams who blasted past the helpless Farley from eight yards.
Poole rounded off the scoring with a well-worked stoppage time goal, Anderson sweeping in from close range after a tired City backline were pulled apart.
While it gave the scoreline a slightly flattering look, the hosts were worthy winners and City can take pride that they competed well with a side likely to be challenging for promotion.